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Road Biking
Our road biking season starts as
soon as the roads in Yellowstone National Park are cleared of snow – usually by
March 20th. From then until late April, the Park is open to non-motorized
traffic only. There are a few restrictions on different roads (to protect
wildlife) but there is no doubt that this is the best time to ride in the
world’s first National Park.
The route between West
Yellowstone and Madison Junction – a 30 mile round trip – is by far the most
popular ride. Bison, elk, coyote and eagle sightings are very common along this
section of the road. Riders are reminded to give wildlife plenty of space – if
you run into a buffalo jam the best course of action is often to turn around
and give the animals time to move off the road. And don’t forget, springtime in
the Rockies can mean rapidly changing weather any day, any time. Be prepared
and wear or carry warm clothing.
Even after Yellowstone’s roads
open to motorized traffic, the cycling in the Park is good. Most of the roads
in Yellowstone have a wide enough shoulder to provide safe riding although it
is also true that some sections of road have no shoulder. The speed limit in
the Park is 45 miles an hour which is great but never let your guard down;
drivers do crazy things when they see wildlife!
Outside the Park, a 64 mile loop
called “the block” is a popular ride. From West Yellowstone you head west into
Idaho on Highway 20, along the north shore of Henry’s Lake on Highway 87, up
and over Raynold’s Pass, across the Madison River, along the shores of Quake
Lake and Hebgen Lake on Highway 287 and, finally, back into West Yellowstone on
Highway 191. The Highway 20 portion of this ride can be dangerous as the rumble
strip runs down the middle of the shoulder – be careful and ride single file!
For those looking for a shorter ride, Highway 287 is a
good bet. It’s probably the most scenic and safest section of “the block”. You
can park your car at the intersection of Highway 191 and 287 and head out from
there. The shoulder is wide enough and there are several scenic pullouts as you
travel along the north shore of Hebgen Lake.
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